CLEBURNE COUNTY, AL — Two women were safely rescued after becoming stranded on the Tallapoosa River on July 15, following a canoe accident that prompted a multi-agency search and rescue operation.
According to the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the area of County Road 49 near County Road 72 after receiving a report that two women had become lost while floating the river.
During the trip, the canoe carrying the two women overturned, leaving both stranded. One woman was able to reach the riverbank, while the other remained trapped on a downed tree in the water.
Deputies immediately began searching the stretch of the Tallapoosa River between County Road 72 and County Road 49. The search effort included assistance from the Abernathy Fire Department, Cane Creek Fire Department, the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit, as well as family members and friends of the stranded women.
After an extensive search, both women were located and safely rescued. Officials reported that neither sustained serious injuries during the incident.
The Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Abernathy Fire Department, Cane Creek Fire Department, and the Oxford Police Department Aviation Unit for their assistance during the rescue, noting that the coordinated response and teamwork contributed to the successful outcome.
The sheriff’s office also encouraged anyone planning to enjoy local waterways to wear a properly fitted life jacket, check river conditions before entering the water, carry a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof container, and inform someone of their planned route and expected return time before heading out on the water.
